Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
0393720003 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS VERT 7.5MM	2408
0395278004 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS 90DEG 5MM	864
0395105006 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 6POS STR 3.81MM	937
0395332006 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 6POS 5.08MM	130
0395332008 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 8POS 5.08MM	115
0395211009 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 9POS VERT 5MM	120
0395116011 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 11POS VERT 3.81MM	1394
0395040004 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS STR 3.5MM	0
0395178005 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 5POS 3.81MM	1728
0395332004 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS 5.08MM	985
0395245003 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS STR 5MM	370
0395138003 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS 3.81MM	2250
0395056012 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 12POS VERT 3.5MM	651
0395320004 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS 90DEG 5.08MM	71
0395221010 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 10POS 90DEG 5MM	0
0395100004 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS STR 3.81MM	469
0395315005 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 5POS VERT 5.08MM	1800
0395377011 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 11POS 5.08MM	360
0395315011 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK HDR 11POS VERT 5.08MM	719
0395277012 Woodhead - Molex	TERM BLOCK PLUG 12POS 270DEG 5MM	360

Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

1. Overview

Terminal blocks, headers, plugs, and sockets are essential components in electrical and electronic systems for establishing reliable connections between circuits. These devices enable signal transmission, power distribution, and system modularity. Their standardized designs ensure interoperability, scalability, and ease of maintenance in complex systems.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

Type	Functional Characteristics	Application Examples
Terminal Blocks	Screw/clamp-based connections for high current/ voltage	Industrial control panels, power distribution units
PCB Headers	Pin/grid arrays for board-to-board connections	Embedded systems, Arduino shields
RJ Connectors	Modular jacks for data/telecom signals	Ethernet networks (RJ45), telephone systems (RJ11)
D-Sub Connectors	Multi-pin trapezoidal shells for analog/digital signals	Legacy serial interfaces, industrial sensors
USB Connectors	Hot-pluggable interfaces for power/data	Consumer electronics, peripheral devices

3. Structure and Components

Typical structures include:

Insulating housing (PA66, PBT, or LCP plastics)
Contact elements (phosphor bronze, beryllium copper)
Plating materials (gold, tin, nickel for corrosion resistance)
Actuation mechanisms (screws, spring clamps, or friction fits)
EMI shielding layers (for high-frequency applications)

4. Key Technical Specifications

Parameter	Importance
Current Rating (A)	Determines power handling capacity
Voltage Rating (V)	Defines dielectric strength requirements
Contact Resistance (m )	Impacts signal integrity and power loss
Insertion Loss (dB)	Critical for high-speed data transmission
Mating Cycles	Indicates mechanical durability
Operating Temperature (- C to + C)	Defines environmental tolerance

5. Application Fields

Primary industries include:

Industrial automation (PLCs, HMIs)
Telecommunications (5G base stations, routers)
Consumer electronics (smartphones, wearables)
Medical equipment (imaging devices, patient monitors)
Automotive (EV charging systems, ADAS)

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

Manufacturer	Representative Product
Phoenix Contact	COMBICON series terminal blocks
TE Connectivity	MICRO MATCH connectors
Molex	SL Series headers
Amphenol	D-Subminiature connectors
Samtec	QTE high-speed socket systems

7. Selection Guidelines

Key considerations:

Electrical requirements (current/voltage levels)
Mechanical constraints (space, vibration)
Environmental factors (temperature, humidity)
Signal integrity needs (frequency, noise rejection)
Cost vs. reliability trade-offs
Compliance with standards (IPC, IEC, UL)

8. Industry Trends

Emerging developments include:

Miniaturization for wearable devices
High-speed connectors for 5G/6G ( 25 Gbps)
Hybrid connectors integrating power/data
Eco-friendly materials (halogen-free, RoHS compliant)
Smart connectors with built-in sensors
Automotive-grade connectors for EVs